FTSE 100 plunges to a two-year low as US-China trade war fears intensify December 6, 2018 The FTSE 100 plunged to a two-year low today as US-China trade war tensions weighed on European stocks. London’s main index fell by as much as 2.5 per cent this morning as blue-chip companies were burnt by fears that China and the US trade war could intensify after a key Huawei executive was arrested overnight. [...]
Scrap the migration target and open the doors to global talent December 6, 2018 As the Brexit debate rages on, the government is gearing up to confirm new immigration rules, including the end to freedom of movement for people from the EU. The warning light should be flashing for businesses, particularly in the capital. If immigration is curtailed, who will do the jobs? We are at full employment, and [...]
Sadiq Khan slams Westminster Council for pulling out of £80m TfL Oxford Street redevelopment plans December 6, 2018 Sadiq Khan has slashed £80m of funding from Westminster City Council (WCC) for redeveloping Oxford Street, after finding out the council had ditched joint plans with Transport for London for the project in favour of its own £150m proposal. In a letter seen by Morning Wire, addressed to council leader Nickie Allen, the mayor of [...]
Housebuilders lead the FTSE risers as no-deal Brexit risk fades December 5, 2018 Britain's largest housebuilders saw the value of their shares jump this afternoon as the prospect of a no-deal Brexit began to recede. Property heavyweights such as Berkeley Group, Persimmon and Redrow were among the top 10 FTSE risers today as a frantic 24 hours of political tussling in Westminster fuelled the possibility of a “softer” Brexit [...]
Let’s give knife crime a knockout punch December 5, 2018 Last year was the worst year of my life. Seven people I knew were murdered. There have been an estimated 127 murders in London this year, and police statistics show that knife crime is up 12 per cent. Clearly, we have a knife crime epidemic in London. Everyone is responsible and has a part to [...]
Brexit mess makes Britain ‘hot heads’ of Europe, says City’s policy boss December 4, 2018 Britain’s mishandling of Brexit has made it the new “hot heads” of Europe and damaged its financial services industry, according the Canada’s policy boss. Catherine McGuinness said the uncertainty surrounding Brexit has damaged the country’s reputation and will take time to rebuild. “We do travel the world quite extensively and I do [...]
The Shard relaunches Western Europe’s highest light show December 3, 2018 The Shard’s Christmas lights are back with a bang this evening, transforming the top 20 storeys of the skyscraper into a festive light show. This year’s Shard Lights display sees London’s tallest building host a colourful 30-minute show running every half an hour from 4pm to 1am. The light show is based on the theme [...]
The City is the goose that lays the golden eggs December 3, 2018 The Financial Conduct Authority has taken its boldest step yet into the debate about banks' Brexit contingency plans. In a letter to lenders the City watchdog warned that it will not accept “steps being taken which could expose clients or markets to unacceptable risks.” Specifically, the FCA warns that they will intervene if they suspect [...]
Six-bedroom Mayfair mansion snapped up for £39m December 3, 2018 A Grade-II listed mansion in Mayfair has been bought for £39m. According to documents filed with the land registry it was acquired by a British Virgin Islands-registered company for £38.8m at the start of November. Fees and stamp duty mean the total cost of the house will be closer to £45m. The six-bedroom house has a [...]
Trade is a long game, so we must look beyond FTAs and make marginal gains December 3, 2018 New York and London frequently vie for the crown when it comes to the title of the world’s leading financial centre. But as well as competing, we share a special relationship. The Big Apple was the first stop on my visit last week to the United States, which came at an opportune moment as the [...]